Do you want to continue to be at the cutting edge of technology with high-end presentation products? Do you want to keep your audience glued to you and the vibrant graphics and clear characters of your presentation? Whether you are presenting to 10 or 10,000 people, there is bound to be an LCD projector that is perfect for you. Here is a simple guide on what to look for when you want to purchase one.

Resolution

The first consideration to look for when shopping for an LCD projector is resolution. Resolution is the number of light dots (called pixels) per square inch of the image produced. The higher the number of the pixels, the clearer and tighter your image will be. Also, if your LCD projector of choice is high in resolution, the image you can broadcast can be expanded to greater degrees. If your lecture or presentation is heavy on graphics and high quality color, or if you need to present to a large crowd, then you will need an LCD projector with high resolution.

Brightness

Since the image your LCD projector will broadcast is projected with a high-powered light bulb, you will also want to consider how bright a projection you will need. Again, the brighter the image you project, the farther away it can be seen. This is an important consideration for people thinking of presenting to large and small groups.

Price and other considerations

These projectors do not come cheap, so price is a major consideration. If your company is small, a desktop projector with resolution the size of your typical computer monitor should suffice. Also, be sure to check on compatibility issues. Is the projector you want compatible with your hardware? If it is not, you may wind up with a very expensive lamp. Finally, ask about user support. Does it come with a warranty? If it does, how long is the coverage? Is there a technical support hotline you can call if you have trouble with your projector? All these things will factor into getting an LCD projector that suits your needs.

Buying a projector is an investment that you want to be sure you make wisely. So taking the time to do some comparison shopping when it comes to prices is simply a smart thing to do and something you certainly wont regret.

There are several ways you can go about comparing prices on projectors. The first is to visit electronics stores and office supply stores that sell projectors and check out their prices in the stores. This is an especially good method during sales. Its also a great way to get a good deal locally because many stores will offer to beat their competitors best price by a certain percentage, which can save you even more money.

You can also research and compare prices on projectors online. Doing your projector price comparison shopping online makes it possible for you to check out a much larger number of prices on projectors than you can do by going from store to store. This will also make it possible for you to check out the prices on a wider number of brand name projectors and even look into the prices of used projectors. Online auction sites such as eBay are great places to compare prices on used projectors.

Consumer report magazines are also a good resource for comparing prices on various projectors. These reports have the advantage of also rating the projectors, so you can compare quality as well as prices on projectors.

This is an important part of comparing prices on anything, whether its projectors or cars. You want to get the most value for your money, and that means that many times a medium priced item is actually a better value than a higher priced one because it has more features than a stripped down top brand name one has.

Also, even before you start comparing prices on projectors, its a good idea to have a budget in mind for what youre willing to spend for your projector. This will help you focus your price comparison, although you dont want to rule out looking into projectors that may cost more than youve budgeted for because you may run into an unexpected bargain as you do your research.

And if the thought of doing all the research needed to compare prices on projectors sounds like work to you, remember that at least half the fun of making any purchase is in the search! Make a game of it and see just how great a projector you can find for the least amount of money, thanks to your savvy comparison shopping. Then take those savings and splurge on something just for you!

Jim Gelder is a contributing writer for projectorian.com a website dedicated to offering information about projectors and projector rentals and also features a listing of local companies that offer LCD projector rentals, New York projector rentals and more.

To understand what is native resolution, lets start with an understanding of the concept of 'resolution'. Resolution is concerned with the mapping of the information within a picture or image by the dot area.

The smaller the dots, and the more densely packed it is, the greater the resolution, since the mapping of dots as measured in pixels constitutes the data for reproducing the images in video outputs of home theater and other viewing systems. This data processing capability of the projector, as measured in pixels, is what constitutes native resolution.

For high definition home theater projector pictures with good resolution, both the native resolution of the projector should match the resolution of the video signal or video input, failing which, distortion of the images is likely. Native resolution of home theater projectors is measured in two dimension figures with current capabilities ranging from (640480, 800600, 1024768, 16001200) for 4:3 image aspect ratios and the occasional odd resolutions like 12801024.

Thus, if projectors of 1280X 1024 native resolution were to map a video signal of resolution 1024 X 768, there would errors and likely distortion in the image. To effectively combat or otherwise provide for different standards, most home theater video projectors come with capabilities of multiple resolution standards, though it is most likely to be multiples of the lower resolution values.

Advice on Home Theater ProjectorsAdvice on Home Theater Projector DisplaysAdvice on Home Theater Projector Mounts

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) projectors are devices used for displaying presentations or videos in an enlarged size. They are the modern replacements for slide projectors and overhead projects which were popular earlier.

LCD projectors are available in several variants with differing specifications. Choosing the right projector is as simple as knowing what it will be used for. The two parameters needed to compare an LCD projector are - cost and specifications. Knowing what is needed and how much you will need to use the various features / specifications of an LCD projector are going to be will help one compare the projectors with a better perspective. For this reason, it is important to know the basics of projectors before comparing them.

Aspect Ratio: It refers to the width vs. the height of the projected image. UXGA, VGA, XGA, and SVGA resolution all have a 4:3 aspect ratio.

Brightness: A projector's brightness is measured in lumens. The more light in the room where the projector will be used, the more bright the projector should be.

Contrast Ratio: Is the ratio between the darkest and brightest areas of the projected image. Medium Contrast ratio projectors can be found with a ratio of 500:1 to 1200:1.

Data Signal Ports: These ports on the projector should be compatible with whatever image source they will be paired with.

Keystone Correction: This is the ability to correct the image distortion that is created when a projector is placed at anything other than a 90 degree angle to the screen.

Native resolution: This resolution for a digital projector is the actual number of physical pixels on the projector's image chip.

Projection screens: These screens come in various fabrics and sizes. While it's possible to project the images on a blank wall, the best image quality will be achieved by projecting the images on a good screen.

A wide range of desired projectors can be found by giving exact specifications on various website over the internet. Once these basic features of projectors are compared and the best suited LCD projector identified, one can go ahead and compare the prices of the required projector.

A slide projector is a great way to store, share and show photos, presentations and other information. But what do you do when your slide projector is having problems. How to fix it can be a simple matter of jiggling a few wires, cords or cables, or taking the entire projector apart and taking a peek as to whats inside.

The most common problem with a slide projector that needs fixing is a simple projector jam. A projector jam is when one of the slides is stuck in a position that wont allow the carousel to rotate. Now, this may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it should also be the first area you look into when your projector is having problems. How to fix it, and remove the jammed slide can be done in a matter of steps.

1. Shut the slide projector off and let it cool down for a few minutes.

2. Remove the slide tray by loosening a latch or placing a coin in the middle of the tray & turning it

3. Turn the tray upside down

4. Locate the jammed slide and carefully remove it

5. Place the tray back into the projector

6. If the slide isnt damaged, insert it back into the carousel

The next time you notice your slide projector is having problems, how to fix it is to follow the steps listed above. Normally, when a slide projector wont fully rotate, its because of a jammed or lodged slide within the carousel. Carefully removing the trapped slide should solve any projector problems youre experiencing.

If youve followed the steps noted above, and you find that still your slide projector is having problems, an experienced technician may tell you how to fix it, and guide you through various stages of repair. The larger the slide projector you have, the more chances it has to jam. So before you take your projector apart or visit a potentially expensive repairman, be absolutely certain that it isnt a jammed slide thats causing your projector problems.

If your digital image projector is having problems, how to fix it can be a matter of replacing a burnt out bulb, ensuring that all your cables are properly connected to rebooting the entire system itself, depending on the sophistication level of your projector. Always go through the instruction manual when your digital projector is acting up.

Sometimes when your projector is having problems, how to fix it can be as easy as remounting it or reinstalling it. An improperly mounted projector can sometimes not project any image at all, and may appear to be broken and in need of fixing. Check to see if your projector is mounted and affixed straight. If it isnt, take it down and remount it, being careful to make certain that its properly mounted. That should solve any issues regarding your projectors refusal to show images. If that does not work, then you may consider taking your digital projector back to its point of purchase for a qualified inspection.

Jeffrey Saunders loves do-it-yourself technology

He also likes great deals on refurbished electronics. Amazing prices on big brand names like the Apple iPod Nano

Understanding Projector Screens: Be Careful, You May End Up With TOO Bright An Image!By Andrew Ghigo

Today's compact yet powerful front video projectors may leave you with a too bright an image to watch! This being especially so if you intend to watch a projected image in a darkened room which after all, is most often the case with a home theater setup.

Defining Screen Gain

Prior to proceeding with our discussion, it is important that one has a full understanding of what the term screen gain is all about.

It may sound strange that we talk about gain when in reality a projector screen is nothing more than a passive device. Yet there is - it is all a question of how the screen surface distributes the reflected light.

Screen gain is a measurement of the reflectivity of the screen surface. It measures the ability of the screen to direct incident light back to the audience.

The gain number represents the ratio between incident light and reflected light. A flat matte white surface has a gain of approximately 1. A gray screen has a gain less than 1 and therefore, it attenuates incident light. Reflective screen surfaces have gains greater than 1; these projection screens direct more incident light back to the audience.

Gain is always measured in front and perpendicular to the screen at the point of maximum brightness; this represents peak screen gain and occurs at the zero viewing angle perpendicular to the screen surface.

For a screen with gain greater than one, the gain drops as one moves to the side and view the screen at an angle to the perpendicular drawn from the center of the screen. The angle at which screen gain falls to half the peak is referred to as half gain viewing angle. A person viewing the screen from this angle will see the image half as bright as the person seated at the center. The more one moves further away from the center, the dimmer the projected image will be.

The higher the peak screen gain, the narrower the supported viewing angle. This is the price one has to pay for a higher screen gain - the higher projector screen gain at the center is in fact achieved by directing more light towards the center viewing positions rather than allowing for a uniform reflected light over a wider angle of view.

Projected Image Brightness:

Matching the projection screen gain with the ambient light and the video projector output is essential if you want to ensure that you will end up with a correct level of projected image brightness.

This is an extremely important issue. Do not forget that a basic requirement for a great movie experience is a comfortable environment. This means that the time one spends watching a movie should be as comfortable as possible. Exposure to a bright projected image is uncomfortable on the eyes - even when this is for just a few minutes, least imagine when watching a two-hour movie.

A Tricky Matching Process!

Ambient Light Conditions, Image Brightness & Screen Gain

A projected image is at its best when viewed in total darkness - this helps take away any visual distractions - rendering it easier for the viewer to get deeper immersed into the movie action.

In the home, achieving a completely darkened room is almost impossible except in the case of the dedicated home theater setup. The amount of ambient light present has an impact on the resultant projected image contrast. This calls for the need to increase the image brightness to maintain the correct level of image contrast.

The tricky issue is to arrive at the correct level of image brightness for a pre-set level of ambient light. This in view that projected image brightness is a function not only of the projector output, but also of the screen gain, and image size.

The explanation that follows should help you get a better understanding of the relationship that exists between these three inter-related parameters.

Display Brightness and Screen Gain

The brightness output level of your projector is a measure of the projector output power in terms of light intensity. Please keep in mind however that the resultant projected image brightness is a different issue. Image brightness falls in proportion to the area of the projected image size - the bigger the projected image is, the dimmer it will look for a fixed level of projector brightness.

The projected image brightness - more specifically the Luminance level for a projected image, is a measure of the light reflected from the projector screen area. It is measured in foot-Lamberts, and is defined as:

ANSI-lumens of your projector divided by the square footage of Screen.

(Note that one foot-Lambert is equal to 1 ANSI lumen per square foot.)

To arrive at the actual level of light reflected from the screen surface, the above result must be multiplied by the projector screen gain.

A useful reference here is what has been defined as 'sufficient brightness' by the Society of Motion Pictures and Television Engineers, also known as SMPTE.

In standard 196M, the SMPTE determined sufficient brightness for showing motion pictures in a darkened room using a unity gain matte white projector screen, as 12 - 22 foot-Lamberts. In practice, the luminance target level is set to about 16 foot-Lamberts, while the average bright scene brightness level in a movie theater is typically 60% to 75% of this target value.

Display brightness is in itself an entirely subjective term; whats more, it is all relative to the amount of ambient light falling on the screen surface.

The following rules of thumb would surely come to assistance in this respect:

The contrast ratio between the projected image and the ambient light level falling on the screen should be at least 5:1. This is necessary for the eye to perceive a real impression of brightness. If this contrast ratio is not achieved, the projected image will not be considered of adequate brightness level.

When viewing takes place under normal ambient light conditions, the luminance level should be close to 50 foot-Lamberts. This level of luminance is derived from the fact that SMPTE indicated a target level of image brightness for a CRT TV as 50 foot-Lamberts, this in view that a TV is normally viewed under normal ambient light. One may argue that TV is a totally different technology this is true, but this target level for image brightness or luminance, still holds good for most circumstances.

How does all this translate in practical terms?

If one is viewing an image in typical very low ambient light conditions (say less than 2 foot-candles - equivalent to approximately 22 Lux), then the minimum required light level illuminating the screen surface should be around 10 foot-candles to achieve sufficient image contrast.

For a matte white projector screen surface with a screen gain of one, this translates to a minimum of 10 foot-Lamberts in terms of light reflected from the screen for image brightness. This is close to the SMPTE typical requirement for average luminance when viewing pictures in a darkened room.

Similarly, if viewing were to take place under normal ambient light room conditions (typically 10 foot-candles or 110 Lux), applying our first rule of thumb to achieve the required contrast level would result in a luminance level of 50 foot-Lamberts (approx. 540 Lux) for the same matte white projector screen surface. This is also in line with the target luminance level detailed in rule 2 for viewing under normal ambient light conditions.

Note:

Light illuminating a surface is measured in lux (Lx = lumens/m2), or foot-candles.

Light reflected from an area (luminance) is measured in candelas/m2 (cd/m2) or foot-lamberts (fL).

Now, lets consider as an example what will happen with different projector screen gains for say a given 1000 ANSI-Lumens projector and a 100 diagonal screen size.

Projector Screen Gain 1 1.5 2Image Luminance in foot-Lamberts304560

It is clear that our 1000 ANSI-Lumens projector would produce a too bright an image when the latter is viewed in a darkened room, even when using a standard matte white projector screen with unity gain. Similarly, use of this projector in conjunction with a projector screen surface having a gain of 2 may result in a too bright an image even when viewing takes place under normal ambient light conditions.

Editor and publisher of http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com - a site dedicated to all home theater enthusiasts with the scope of serving as a comprehensive home theater guide to home theater systems, product reviews and home theater design.

This article is an excerpt from a series of guides appearing under thehome theater screens section of the site.

There are tons of digital projectors available and they are constantly dropping in price. However, when choosing a projectorfor yourself or your school there are a few practical things you should remember.

When choosing a projector you need to consider under whatcircumstances will you be presenting slide shows. The strength ofa projector's brightness is measured in units called lumens. Projectors range between 650-5000 lumens. The higher the lumensthe brighter the projector. Projectors that are less than 1000 lumens may not be great in a room with a lot of ambient light.For a classroom you should consider buying a projector with greater than 1000 lumens. If the projector will be used forlarger presentations, for 100 or more people, a projector withgreater than 3000 lumens may be needed.

A great accessory to your projector is a wireless mouse. Thesehave dropped considerably in price and allow the educator toface their audience when presenting the slide show. Whenchoosing a wireless mouse choose one that has a long rangeso that you can walk around when presenting.

Many projectors also come with remotes that help the presentermake adjustments to the slide shows quickly during the presentationwithout having to fiddle with the projector.

Remember when buying a projector analyze you needs first. You maynot need to spend as much as you think or you may need to spendthe extra cash to get a projector that suits your needs.

For more product reviews and teaching tips visit our site below.

Mr. L. Kent is an experienced educator and the lead consultant of http://MrKent.Net - Education Technology Made Simple. Feel free to visit the site and/or subscribe to our fantastic monthly newsletter at http://mrkent.net/php/?p=subscribe .

Luke Kent provides assistance to other educators by offering his interesting seminar, Teaching with Technology: A Fun Workshop for Technology Challenged Teachers. To book a seminar or a consultation visit http://MrKent.Net .

When it comes to choosing a conference room projector, you probably want to run and hide! Thats because most of us dont know much about projectors to begin with and dont know the first thing about how to select one thats appropriate for a conference roomor any room for that matter.

Thankfully, theres the Internet. Within minutes, you can have all the information on choosing a conference room projector that you could ever want.

Sorting through all that information, though, can seem overwhelming. So its good to have some questions in mind as you do the research necessary to find the perfect projector for your conference room.

Some questions you want to ask are:

How difficult is operating the projector?Is the projector portable or will it need to have a permanent mounting? Which type fits my conference room needs best?What types of presentations will the projector be used for?How much does the projector cost? Does that cost fit my for buying a new conference room projector?Is there a service contract available for the projector?What is the repair policy for the projector?Is the company Im thinking of buying the projector from a reputable and reliable one?Will the projector require any special maintenance or periodic service checks?Are any special supplies needed for the projector?Is the size appropriate for the conference room?If its portable, how much does it weigh?Should I rent, lease, or buy?Is the quality of the brightness satisfactory for the size of my conference room?Do I need to save the receipt so that I can take the purchase off on my taxes?

These are just a few questions to help you on your way to purchasing (or leasing) a conference room projector. Just remember that cost does not always indicate quality. You can buy a wildly expensive projector that is all wrong for your needs. The opposite is true too: you can get a great projector that fits your needs for a moderate, or even small, investment.

The trick is in researching projectors and taking the time to read some consumer reviews that are easily found on the web. Before you do anything, though, have a budget in mind and have some idea of what youll be using your projector for. This will help guide your research and make it go more quicklyand be much more effective to boot!

Jim Gelder is a contributing writer for http://www.projectorian.com a website dedicated to offering information about projectors, projector rentals and also features a listing of local projector rental companies